|
A gem of a
mystery/horror title that explores the supernatural among the mundane.
Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton and Powers Boothe lead the story about a
series of murders known as the God’s Hand killings. As we explore the history
of these brutal murders we are drawn into the irony and insanity of the major
characters. This has a brilliant plot twist at the end that is hinted at
throughout the movie and succeeds in its final execution, as we as an audience
learn without ambiguity the nature of the crimes committed.
The story is
told through a series of flashbacks and real time as we find FBI agent Wesley
Doyle interviewing a repentant Fenton whom claims to be the brother of the
God’s Hand serial killer. Fenton describes his childhood with his brother
Adam and father, played brilliantly by Bill Paxton. You see dad has visions
from God that tell him he and his family have been chosen to destroy demons
amongst us.
Armed with
gloves, an iron bar and an axe named Otis dad awaits further visions, which
ultimately leads to a list of demons. The dilemma for young Fenton is that
these demons look just like real people, we are led to see the internal
conflict between loyalty to his father and a genuine concern for the victims
that his father slays. Adam being younger has no problem in accepting his
father’s holy crusade. Fenton finally cracks after being locked in a cellar
for over a week and claims to have found the faith Adam and his father share.
Fenton kills his dad and we return to the FBI agent who proceeds to follow
Fenton to where the bodies are buried. The brilliance of this film is in the
definition of what is a demon. The irony lies in is Fenton a demon because he
commits an evil act and kills his insane father, or is he driven in pursuit of
good to stop his fathers brutal killings and thus a hero.
DVD visual transfer is widescreen and is vibrant and
satisfying as to be expected on a recent film. Audio is in Dolby Digital 5.1
but and a subtle use of the surround is well executed. Music is noticeably
eerie and hightens the suspense superbly. Extras include a theatrical trailer
and subtitles.
This is one of the best horror suspense films I’ve seen in
awhile. A great story and superb performances lead to a greatly satisfying
and spooky ride. The moral dilemmas faced by young children whose mundane
lives are turned upside down by the supposed Hand of God are chillingly
portrayed. Not your run of the mill horror but one with intelligence, real
tension and emotional pathos. A must see!
| 
